The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) today said that Americans can trust the clinical review after approving the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-us-authorisation-of-vaccine-biontech-to-tremendously-intensify-production-349217">Pfizer-BioNTech</a> coronavirus vaccine.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-fda-authorises-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-for-emergency-use-349223/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Efficacy does not mean cutting corners," the FDA said.

Denise Hinton, the Food and Drug Administration's chief scientist in a letter to a Pfizer executive had said: "I am authorizing the emergency use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID‑19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19."

President Trump backed the move saying: "The first vaccine will be administered in less than 24 hours."&nbsp;

"The pros outweigh the cons of the vaccine," the FDA said, adding that it recommended everyone should complete two doses of the vaccine.

Trump's comments come as the US media reported that the White House had threatened to fire the FDA chief Stephen Hahn if he did not issue the Emergency Use Authorisation(EUA) on Friday.

The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) today said that Americans can trust the clinical review after approving the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. Watch: "Efficacy does not mean cutting corners," the FDA said.

The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) today said that Americans can trust the clinical review after approving the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. Watch: "Efficacy does not mean cutting corners," the FDA said. Denise Hinton, the Food and Drug Administration's chief scientist in a letter to a Pfizer executive had said: "I am authorizing the emergency use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID‑19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19." President Trump backed the move saying: "The first vaccine will be administered in less than 24 hours." "The pros outweigh the cons of the vaccine," the FDA said, adding that it recommended everyone should complete two doses of the vaccine. Trump's comments come as the US media reported that the White House had threatened to fire the FDA chief Stephen Hahn if he did not issue the Emergency Use Authorisation(EUA) on Friday.

Americans can trust the clinical review, assures FDA on Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

China has put one northern city in lockdown and launched citywide coronavirus testing in another, after two local infections involving workers at a port and trade zone respectively, authorities have said.

There was one new case each in Dongning and Suifenhe, which both sit on the country's border with Russia.

In Dongning, a 40-year-old maintenance worker at a port tested positive on Thursday, triggering the latest measures.

Officials there said Saturday it would enter "wartime mode" -- temporarily suspending public bus services and road transport&nbsp;while requiring anyone leaving the city to produce a negative COVID-19 test from the preceding 24 hours.

Schools will suspend classes and dine-in will be banned at restaurants, while in higher-risk areas only one member of each household will be allowed to leave the home once every two days to buy daily necessities -&nbsp;for no longer than two hours each time.

In the Suifenhe case, a 39-year-old man who works as a loading and unloading worker at a trade zone tested positive.

Both cities on Friday announced the launch of citywide testing, expected to be completed in three days.

China -- where the virus first surfaced late last year -- has largely brought domestic transmission under control but recently reported local outbreaks in several cities.

State media blamed the recent clusters on imports of frozen food and other shipments.

After a recent outbreak in Chengdu, officials said the virus was found on food stored in an elderly couple's fridge.

There is currently no evidence that people can catch Covid-19 from food or food packaging, according to the World Health Organization.

China has put one northern city in lockdown and launched citywide coronavirus testing in another, after two local infections involving workers at a port and trade zone respectively, authorities have said.

China has put one northern city in lockdown and launched citywide coronavirus testing in another, after two local infections involving workers at a port and trade zone respectively, authorities have said. There was one new case each in Dongning and Suifenhe, which both sit on the country's border with Russia. In Dongning, a 40-year-old maintenance worker at a port tested positive on Thursday, triggering the latest measures. Officials there said Saturday it would enter "wartime mode" -- temporarily suspending public bus services and road transport while requiring anyone leaving the city to produce a negative COVID-19 test from the preceding 24 hours. Schools will suspend classes and dine-in will be banned at restaurants, while in higher-risk areas only one member of each household will be allowed to leave the home once every two days to buy daily necessities - for no longer than two hours each time. In the Suifenhe case, a 39-year-old man who works as a loading and unloading worker at a trade zone tested positive. Both cities on Friday announced the launch of citywide testing, expected to be completed in three days. China -- where the virus first surfaced late last year -- has largely brought domestic transmission under control but recently reported local outbreaks in several cities. State media blamed the recent clusters on imports of frozen food and other shipments. After a recent outbreak in Chengdu, officials said the virus was found on food stored in an elderly couple's fridge. There is currently no evidence that people can catch Covid-19 from food or food packaging, according to the World Health Organization.

China puts northern city in lockdown after two local infections

It has been exactly nine months since the Wuhan virus was declared a pandemic and almost everyday in these nine months WION has been telling the world to make China pay.

Make China pay for killing over 1.5 million people, for making 69 million people ill and for bringing our lives to a standstill.

The virus has set the global economy back by at least $15.8 trillion and whitewashed an entire year..

China has exported the deadly virus, but the world has failed instead of making China pay, the world is paying China helping the virus exporter reach new economic heights.

China is expected to account for 30 per cent of the world's economic growth this year. It is expected to grow by 2 per cent this year. China claims to be the biggest trade partner to 130 countries and regions.

China's economy has grown 3.2 per cent in the second quarter and 4.9 per cent in the third quarter. China's GDP has been upgraded from "stable" to "modestly improving". The global inaction has emboldened China.

China blocked pork imports from Germany to warn Berlin against isolating Beijing. China banned beef imports from Australia to punish the country for questioning the origin of the Wuhan virus.

Forget slapping sanctions, countries are signing deals with China. It has already inked vaccine deals with Malaysia and the Philippines. Beijing is constructing vaccine production facilities in Brazil, Morocco and Indonesia.

China has promised a loan of $1 billion to Latin America and Caribbean nations. China's vaccine diplomacy is centred around profit, not philanthropy and countries have been helping China make profit, if China manages to capture just 15 per cent of the market in middle and low-income countries, then Beijing would net around $2.8 billion in sales.

China's virus has ensured that recession touches all 5 continents and it has has pushed 400 million people out of their jobs and shuttered 98,000 companies.

In July, the Phillipines was calling on China to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling. The virus from China has killed nearly 9,000 people in the island country and now it is inking deals with the virus exporter.

It is not just the Philippines that has conveniently cast a bling eye to Chinese aggression - Indonesia and Malaysia too are guilty as is the rest of the world for not putting its money where the mouth is and for doing business with China and for approving the Chinese vaccine.

1.5 million people have lost their lives to the Wuhan virus - these are mothers,fathers,young children,spouses,siblings who are all dead. At least 400 million people have lost their livelihood because China covered up an outbreak and exported a virus and the world is now rolling out the red carpet for Beijing.

It has been exactly nine months since the Wuhan virus was declared a pandemic and almost everyday in these nine months WION has been telling the world to make China pay.

It has been exactly nine months since the Wuhan virus was declared a pandemic and almost everyday in these nine months WION has been telling the world to make China pay. Make China pay for killing over 1.5 million people, for making 69 million people ill and for bringing our lives to a standstill. The virus has set the global economy back by at least $15.8 trillion and whitewashed an entire year.. China has exported the deadly virus, but the world has failed instead of making China pay, the world is paying China helping the virus exporter reach new economic heights. China is expected to account for 30 per cent of the world's economic growth this year. It is expected to grow by 2 per cent this year. China claims to be the biggest trade partner to 130 countries and regions. China's economy has grown 3.2 per cent in the second quarter and 4.9 per cent in the third quarter. China's GDP has been upgraded from "stable" to "modestly improving". The global inaction has emboldened China. China blocked pork imports from Germany to warn Berlin against isolating Beijing. China banned beef imports from Australia to punish the country for questioning the origin of the Wuhan virus. Forget slapping sanctions, countries are signing deals with China. It has already inked vaccine deals with Malaysia and the Philippines. Beijing is constructing vaccine production facilities in Brazil, Morocco and Indonesia. China has promised a loan of $1 billion to Latin America and Caribbean nations. China's vaccine diplomacy is centred around profit, not philanthropy and countries have been helping China make profit, if China manages to capture just 15 per cent of the market in middle and low-income countries, then Beijing would net around $2.8 billion in sales. China's virus has ensured that recession touches all 5 continents and it has has pushed 400 million people out of their jobs and shuttered 98,000 companies. In July, the Phillipines was calling on China to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling. The virus from China has killed nearly 9,000 people in the island country and now it is inking deals with the virus exporter. It is not just the Philippines that has conveniently cast a bling eye to Chinese aggression - Indonesia and Malaysia too are guilty as is the rest of the world for not putting its money where the mouth is and for doing business with China and for approving the Chinese vaccine. 1.5 million people have lost their lives to the Wuhan virus - these are mothers,fathers,young children,spouses,siblings who are all dead. At least 400 million people have lost their livelihood because China covered up an outbreak and exported a virus and the world is now rolling out the red carpet for Beijing.

After virus, why world leaders are still scared to #MakeChinaPay

India and Bangladesh are writing a new chapter in their relationship with a rail route set to open after a gap of 55 years to speed up connectivity between the two countries.

Leaders from both sides are set to hold a virtual summit next week with a lot more in store.

The rail route connects Haldibari in West Bengal to Chilahati in Bangladesh. The prime ministers of both countries will inaugurate the rail line next week when they meet for a virtual summit on December 17.

Reports claim at least four MoUs can be signed next week. These agreements are expected to boost bilateral cooperation. The summit is the culmination of a series of overtures that New Delhi has made to Dhaka.

In August, India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla had travelled to Bangladesh to boost cooperation. Prime Minister Modi had sent a personal message to Sheikh Hasina through the Indian diplomat since then India and Bangladesh have focused on speeding up several connectivity and transit projects.

Both countries have now set up a new mechanism to review the ventures which includes an oil pipeline and two cross-border rail links set to be completed in 2021. The Chilahati-Haldibari rail line was also brought under the same mechanism.

At present 28 per cent of India's development budget goes to Bangladesh which translates into $10 billion which is a significant investment to counter the Dragon's growing influence in India's neighbourhood.

Now both countries are ready to kick off a new phase in their relationship. Bangladesh has invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Dhaka next year for the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the liberation of Bangladesh.

India and Bangladesh are writing a new chapter in their relationship with a rail route set to open after a gap of 55 years to speed up connectivity between the two countries.

India and Bangladesh are writing a new chapter in their relationship with a rail route set to open after a gap of 55 years to speed up connectivity between the two countries. Leaders from both sides are set to hold a virtual summit next week with a lot more in store. The rail route connects Haldibari in West Bengal to Chilahati in Bangladesh. The prime ministers of both countries will inaugurate the rail line next week when they meet for a virtual summit on December 17. Reports claim at least four MoUs can be signed next week. These agreements are expected to boost bilateral cooperation. The summit is the culmination of a series of overtures that New Delhi has made to Dhaka. In August, India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla had travelled to Bangladesh to boost cooperation. Prime Minister Modi had sent a personal message to Sheikh Hasina through the Indian diplomat since then India and Bangladesh have focused on speeding up several connectivity and transit projects. Both countries have now set up a new mechanism to review the ventures which includes an oil pipeline and two cross-border rail links set to be completed in 2021. The Chilahati-Haldibari rail line was also brought under the same mechanism. At present 28 per cent of India's development budget goes to Bangladesh which translates into $10 billion which is a significant investment to counter the Dragon's growing influence in India's neighbourhood. Now both countries are ready to kick off a new phase in their relationship. Bangladesh has invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Dhaka next year for the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the liberation of Bangladesh.

India, Bangladesh set to speed up connectivity with new rail route

Donald Trump has been busy in the last few months of his presidency. On Thursday the US president announced that Morocco has become the latest country in the Middle East to agree to normalise relations with Israel with this, Morocco becomes the fourth country in the past four months to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

The others were the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan - all four deals were engineered by the US. 
&nbsp; 
Trump had promised a peace deal four years ago, and three months ago, he delivered it, just before the US election as the UAE and Bahrain established diplomatic ties with Israel. It was a seismic shift in West Asian politics. The deal was called "Abraham accords".

Now, as Trump prepares to leave office, more countries are signing the deal. The latest is Morocco - another Arab nation making peace with Israel.

However, the road was uphill to enable the deal as America had to change its policy towards Morocco with Morocco's claim over the Western Sahara which is a former Spanish colony. It has been controlled by Morocco for the last forty years.

No country recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over the region, however, now America does that's how important the peace deal was for Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lost no time in thanking him.

"I've always believed that this historic day would come, I've always worked for it. I want to first thank President Trump for his extraordinary efforts to expand peace, to bring peace to Israel and the peoples of the Middle East," Netanyahu said.

"President Trump, the people of Israel and the state of Israel will be forever indebted to you for your magnificent efforts on our behalf. I want to thank, too, the king of Morocco, King Mohammed VI, for taking this historic decision to bring a historic peace between us," the Israeli PM added.

Trump may not have won a second term in office but he leaves as one of America's most embattled presidents, however, this is a foreign policy win like no other. Donald Trump has accomplished what his predecessors promised, tried and failed at - he got the peace deal that they couldn't.

Under Trump, Israel has normalised ties with four Arab nations. For the last seven decades, most Arab countries have boycotted Israel over its dispute with Palestine. Now that has changed as other nations are expected to sign similar deals.

They have Saudi Arabia's blessing but Riyadh itself isn't ready to sign on the dotted line, just yet. Donald Trump's efforts have a big role to play in this shift. The shifting sands of Arab politics have done the rest. The Gulf states and Israel have now found a common enemy in Iran.

Palestine has been relegated to the back burner. Sunni Arabs and Jews are now allies with Shia Iran threatening both and Donald Trump claiming credit for delivering what he calls the deal of the century. 
&nbsp;

Donald Trump has been busy in the last few months of his presidency. On Thursday the US president announced that Morocco has become the latest country in the Middle East to agree to normalise relations with Israel with this, Morocco becomes the fourth country in the past four months to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

Donald Trump has been busy in the last few months of his presidency. On Thursday the US president announced that Morocco has become the latest country in the Middle East to agree to normalise relations with Israel with this, Morocco becomes the fourth country in the past four months to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. The others were the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan - all four deals were engineered by the US. Trump had promised a peace deal four years ago, and three months ago, he delivered it, just before the US election as the UAE and Bahrain established diplomatic ties with Israel. It was a seismic shift in West Asian politics. The deal was called "Abraham accords". Now, as Trump prepares to leave office, more countries are signing the deal. The latest is Morocco - another Arab nation making peace with Israel. However, the road was uphill to enable the deal as America had to change its policy towards Morocco with Morocco's claim over the Western Sahara which is a former Spanish colony. It has been controlled by Morocco for the last forty years. No country recognizes Morocco's sovereignty over the region, however, now America does that's how important the peace deal was for Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lost no time in thanking him. "I've always believed that this historic day would come, I've always worked for it. I want to first thank President Trump for his extraordinary efforts to expand peace, to bring peace to Israel and the peoples of the Middle East," Netanyahu said. "President Trump, the people of Israel and the state of Israel will be forever indebted to you for your magnificent efforts on our behalf. I want to thank, too, the king of Morocco, King Mohammed VI, for taking this historic decision to bring a historic peace between us," the Israeli PM added. Trump may not have won a second term in office but he leaves as one of America's most embattled presidents, however, this is a foreign policy win like no other. Donald Trump has accomplished what his predecessors promised, tried and failed at - he got the peace deal that they couldn't. Under Trump, Israel has normalised ties with four Arab nations. For the last seven decades, most Arab countries have boycotted Israel over its dispute with Palestine. Now that has changed as other nations are expected to sign similar deals. They have Saudi Arabia's blessing but Riyadh itself isn't ready to sign on the dotted line, just yet. Donald Trump's efforts have a big role to play in this shift. The shifting sands of Arab politics have done the rest. The Gulf states and Israel have now found a common enemy in Iran. Palestine has been relegated to the back burner. Sunni Arabs and Jews are now allies with Shia Iran threatening both and Donald Trump claiming credit for delivering what he calls the deal of the century.

Donald Trump's 'deal of the century': Israel's peace deal with 4 countries

After the US Food and Drug Association(FDA) recommended the authorisation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-lead-to-infertility-experts-have-this-to-say-349073">Pfizer-BioNTech</a> COVID-19 vaccine, US health secretary Alex Azar said the country could start its vaccination drive from Monday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/california-coronavirus-case-explode-to-new-daily-high-wion-voa-co-production-world-news-349138/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We could be seeing people get vaccinated Monday, Tuesday of next week. So, it's very close, it's really just the last dotting of I's and crossing of T's," Azar told US TV networks as the country grapples with the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-to-test-combining-covid-19-vaccine-with-russian-shot-349047">Also Read:&nbsp;AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot</a>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) needs to recommend the vaccine after the US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-advisors-recommend-authorisation-of-pfizer-covid-vaccine-348942">FDA</a> gave its approval which should happen this weekend.&nbsp;

Once the vaccine receives an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status in the USA, the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed will begin the distribution process nationwide.&nbsp;

The US government hopes to immunize 20 million people this month with 100 million by February with care facility residents and health care workers to be vaccinated first.&nbsp;

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine needs two doses for a patient 21-days apart for use in people aged 16 to 85 as the US FDA said it was working rapidly to issue an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine

The FDA has already notified the US CDC and Trump administration's "Operation Warp Speed" to begin execution plans for vaccine distribution.

&nbsp;

After the US Food and Drug Association(FDA) recommended the authorisation of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, US health secretary Alex Azar said the country could start its vaccination drive from Monday.

After the US Food and Drug Association(FDA) recommended the authorisation of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, US health secretary Alex Azar said the country could start its vaccination drive from Monday. Watch: "We could be seeing people get vaccinated Monday, Tuesday of next week. So, it's very close, it's really just the last dotting of I's and crossing of T's," Azar told US TV networks as the country grapples with the virus. Also Read: AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) needs to recommend the vaccine after the US FDA gave its approval which should happen this weekend. Once the vaccine receives an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status in the USA, the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed will begin the distribution process nationwide. The US government hopes to immunize 20 million people this month with 100 million by February with care facility residents and health care workers to be vaccinated first. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine needs two doses for a patient 21-days apart for use in people aged 16 to 85 as the US FDA said it was working rapidly to issue an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine The FDA has already notified the US CDC and Trump administration's "Operation Warp Speed" to begin execution plans for vaccine distribution.

Coronavirus vaccination could start in US from Monday: US health secretary

As the race to produce and distribute vaccines around the world enters a new stage with the authorization of US pharma giant Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech, Kremlin said today that "dirty methods" were being used to discredit the Russian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/clinical-trials-of-sputnik-v-vaccine-begin-in-india-346752">Sputnik V</a> vaccine to block its access in other markets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-to-test-combining-covid-19-vaccine-with-russian-shot-349047">Also Read:&nbsp;AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot</a>

"These intentions are seen not only in the Kremlin, they are visible to the naked eye," Russian President Vladimir Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding, "Competition is fierce, and it's good when this competition is going on fairly, and there shouldn't be much competition in this market."

"Competition is being politicised and dirty methods are being used to discredit our vaccine," Peskov asserted.

Putin's spokesman added that Sputnik V was "secure, good and in demand", while lamenting that "certain countries and their pharmaceutical corporate giants don't use very polite methods."

Russia was the first country to unveil the coronavirus vaccine in August and named it Sputnik V after the world's first satellite launched by the former USSR in 1957.

Several countries including Venezuela, Belarus and India have tied up with the Russian vaccine maker to conduct clinical trials. However, the vaccine is still under phase 3 clinical trial.&nbsp;

Russia has in the meantime administered the vaccine to its citizens and servicemen on a mass scale as Putin declared the country will go ahead with large scale vaccination campaign as COVID-19 continue to surge in the country.

Russia had begun mass vaccination of high-risk groups as manufacturers said interim results had shown that the vaccine was 95 per cent effective. The vaccine is administered in two doses with a 21-day gap and is available free of cost to its citizens.

As the race to produce and distribute vaccines around the world enters a new stage with the authorization of US pharma giant Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech, Kremlin said today that "dirty methods" were being used to discredit the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to block its access in other markets.

As the race to produce and distribute vaccines around the world enters a new stage with the authorization of US pharma giant Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech, Kremlin said today that "dirty methods" were being used to discredit the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to block its access in other markets. Also Read: AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot "These intentions are seen not only in the Kremlin, they are visible to the naked eye," Russian President Vladimir Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding, "Competition is fierce, and it's good when this competition is going on fairly, and there shouldn't be much competition in this market." "Competition is being politicised and dirty methods are being used to discredit our vaccine," Peskov asserted. Putin's spokesman added that Sputnik V was "secure, good and in demand", while lamenting that "certain countries and their pharmaceutical corporate giants don't use very polite methods." Russia was the first country to unveil the coronavirus vaccine in August and named it Sputnik V after the world's first satellite launched by the former USSR in 1957. Several countries including Venezuela, Belarus and India have tied up with the Russian vaccine maker to conduct clinical trials. However, the vaccine is still under phase 3 clinical trial. Russia has in the meantime administered the vaccine to its citizens and servicemen on a mass scale as Putin declared the country will go ahead with large scale vaccination campaign as COVID-19 continue to surge in the country. Russia had begun mass vaccination of high-risk groups as manufacturers said interim results had shown that the vaccine was 95 per cent effective. The vaccine is administered in two doses with a 21-day gap and is available free of cost to its citizens.

'Dirty methods' being used to discredit Sputnik V vaccine: Kremlin

According to reports, China's authorities&nbsp;have "detained" a Chinese national Haze Fan working for the Bloomberg news bureau on suspicion of endangering national security.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-charged-under-new-security-law-349110/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are very concerned for her, and have been actively speaking to Chinese authorities to better understand the situation. We are continuing to do everything we can to support her while we seek more information," Bloomberg News said in a statement.

Fan was "escorted" from her residence reportedly on Monday. China's foreign ministry is yet to make an official statement over Fan's detention and the charges levelled against her.

Fan had earlier worked for Al Jazeera, Reuters, CNBC, CBS News and &nbsp;Al Jazeera.

China has expelled several foreign journalists in&nbsp;US media organizations this year amid tensions with the Trump administration.&nbsp;

A few months ago, Chinese authorities had detained a China-born Australian citizen Cheng Lei working for Chinese state-run broadcaster CGTN over national security issues.

Chinese journalists working for foreign outlets are categorised as "news assistants" with the domestic news media controlled by state-run agencies.

In March, several journalists working for US media in China were asked to leave by authorities in retaliation against US restrictions on Chinese journalists.

According to reports, China's authorities have "detained" a Chinese national Haze Fan working for the Bloomberg news bureau on suspicion of endangering national security.

According to reports, China's authorities have "detained" a Chinese national Haze Fan working for the Bloomberg news bureau on suspicion of endangering national security. Watch: "We are very concerned for her, and have been actively speaking to Chinese authorities to better understand the situation. We are continuing to do everything we can to support her while we seek more information," Bloomberg News said in a statement. Fan was "escorted" from her residence reportedly on Monday. China's foreign ministry is yet to make an official statement over Fan's detention and the charges levelled against her. Fan had earlier worked for Al Jazeera, Reuters, CNBC, CBS News and Al Jazeera. China has expelled several foreign journalists in US media organizations this year amid tensions with the Trump administration. A few months ago, Chinese authorities had detained a China-born Australian citizen Cheng Lei working for Chinese state-run broadcaster CGTN over national security issues. Chinese journalists working for foreign outlets are categorised as "news assistants" with the domestic news media controlled by state-run agencies. In March, several journalists working for US media in China were asked to leave by authorities in retaliation against US restrictions on Chinese journalists.

China detains Bloomberg News  journalist over national security issues

As the US Food and Drugs Association(FDA) approved <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-advisors-recommend-authorisation-of-pfizer-covid-vaccine-348942">Pfizer-BioNTech</a> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jair-bolsonaro-says-tail-end-of-pandemic-in-sight-for-brazil-349082">coronavirus</a> vaccine, Americans were told "no Christmas parties" by Dr. Michael Osterholm who is the member of president-elect Joe Biden's coronavirus advisory board.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-govt-to-impose-a-curfew-from-8-pm-to-6-am-for-3-weeks-349085/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Wednesday, the daily death toll reached over 3,000 for the first time as the total fatalities reached over 292,192 which is the highest death toll in the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-to-test-combining-covid-19-vaccine-with-russian-shot-349047">Also Read:&nbsp;AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot</a>

President Trump had earlier signed an executive order "to ensure that American citizens have first priority to receive American vaccines" even as Biden promised to carry out at least 100 million vaccinations in his first 100 days in office.

The deteriorating virus situation comes as reports say at least 200 hospitals across the country are running in full capacity with COVID-19 patients and nearly one third ICU space is full in medical centres across the United States.

According to US COVID tracking project, the seven-day average for COVID-19 deaths is at an all-time high as deaths have been rising in throughout the country. The previous single-day record was on May 7 at 2,769 deaths.

The new single-day&nbsp;infections reached 30,851 which is the second-highest case count since June.

There are a record 106,688<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-ultra-cold-warehouse-prepares-to-store-pfizer-covid-vaccine-348967"> COVID-19</a> patients in US hospitals, the COVID tracker informed. The United States is the worst-hit country with the virus with over 15.6 million cases with the virus having spread to new areas over the past two months especially during Thanksgiving last month when Americans travelled across the country leading to super spread.

The virus has not just ravaged lives, it has sent the economy on a tailspin with new applications for unemployment benefits in the US surged last week by 137,000 even as the US House of Representatives passed a federal spending extension aimed at avoiding a government shutdown.

As the US Food and Drugs Association(FDA) approved Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, Americans were told "no Christmas parties" by Dr. Michael Osterholm who is the member of president-elect Joe Biden's coronavirus advisory board.

As the US Food and Drugs Association(FDA) approved Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, Americans were told "no Christmas parties" by Dr. Michael Osterholm who is the member of president-elect Joe Biden's coronavirus advisory board. Watch: On Wednesday, the daily death toll reached over 3,000 for the first time as the total fatalities reached over 292,192 which is the highest death toll in the world. Also Read: AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot President Trump had earlier signed an executive order "to ensure that American citizens have first priority to receive American vaccines" even as Biden promised to carry out at least 100 million vaccinations in his first 100 days in office. The deteriorating virus situation comes as reports say at least 200 hospitals across the country are running in full capacity with COVID-19 patients and nearly one third ICU space is full in medical centres across the United States. According to US COVID tracking project, the seven-day average for COVID-19 deaths is at an all-time high as deaths have been rising in throughout the country. The previous single-day record was on May 7 at 2,769 deaths. The new single-day infections reached 30,851 which is the second-highest case count since June. There are a record 106,688 COVID-19 patients in US hospitals, the COVID tracker informed. The United States is the worst-hit country with the virus with over 15.6 million cases with the virus having spread to new areas over the past two months especially during Thanksgiving last month when Americans travelled across the country leading to super spread. The virus has not just ravaged lives, it has sent the economy on a tailspin with new applications for unemployment benefits in the US surged last week by 137,000 even as the US House of Representatives passed a federal spending extension aimed at avoiding a government shutdown.

'No Christmas parties': COVID-19-related hospitalizations in US at critical stage amid FDA's vaccine authorisation

A day after TV journalist Malalai Maiwand was killed by gunmen in Afghanistan, reports claimed another journalist Fardin Amini was killed in an attack on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-woman-tv-journalist-shot-dead-348757">Also Read:&nbsp;Afghanistan: Woman TV journalist shot dead</a>

Reports said Amini was killed in a "mysterious attack" with the exact detail of the attack not clear as yet, although Kabul police confirmed that the Ariana News presenter was dead.

Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the killing TV journalist Malalai Maiwand,25, who worked for Enikas Radio and TV in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Maiwand's activist mother was earlier also killed by unknown gunmen five years ago.

Maiwand was on her way to work when she was shot. Islamic State in a message on Telegram channel said she was a "pro-regime" journalist, adding that she was "loyal to the apostate Afghan regime".

Maiwand's murder was roundly condemned by Afghan officials and foreign diplomats. "The terrorist attack on Malalai Miwand is shocking and utterly despicable. The current senseless violence against our people must end," President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said.

Last month, a Radio Azadi journalist Elyas Dayee was killed in a bomb blast in the southern province of Helmand and Tolo news presenter Yama Siawash was killed in a blast in Kabul. At least ten media workers have been killed in Afghanistan this year.

Dayee was earlier threatened by the Taliban. However, No group has claimed responsibility for the murders of Dayee and Siawash.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A day after TV journalist Malalai Maiwand was killed by gunmen in Afghanistan, reports claimed another journalist Fardin Amini was killed in an attack on Friday.

A day after TV journalist Malalai Maiwand was killed by gunmen in Afghanistan, reports claimed another journalist Fardin Amini was killed in an attack on Friday. Also Read: Afghanistan: Woman TV journalist shot dead Reports said Amini was killed in a "mysterious attack" with the exact detail of the attack not clear as yet, although Kabul police confirmed that the Ariana News presenter was dead. Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the killing TV journalist Malalai Maiwand,25, who worked for Enikas Radio and TV in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Maiwand's activist mother was earlier also killed by unknown gunmen five years ago. Maiwand was on her way to work when she was shot. Islamic State in a message on Telegram channel said she was a "pro-regime" journalist, adding that she was "loyal to the apostate Afghan regime". Maiwand's murder was roundly condemned by Afghan officials and foreign diplomats. "The terrorist attack on Malalai Miwand is shocking and utterly despicable. The current senseless violence against our people must end," President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said. Last month, a Radio Azadi journalist Elyas Dayee was killed in a bomb blast in the southern province of Helmand and Tolo news presenter Yama Siawash was killed in a blast in Kabul. At least ten media workers have been killed in Afghanistan this year. Dayee was earlier threatened by the Taliban. However, No group has claimed responsibility for the murders of Dayee and Siawash.

Another journalist killed in Afghanistan

An UN-backed tribunal on Friday convicted fugitive Salim Jamil Ayyash,57, who is alleged to have killed former Lebanese prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-tribunal-convicts-hezbollah-defendant-in-hariri-assassination-case-321571">Rafik Hariri</a>.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rafik-hariri-assassination-case-3-out-of-4-accused-acquitted-icj-wion-fineprint-321542/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Salim Ayyash a Hezbollah member was sentenced to life imprisonment for the assassination of Rafik Hariri in 2005.

Ayyash, however, remains on the run as Hezbollah has refused to hand him over. His trial was conducted in absentia.

Judge David Re said: "The trial chamber is satisfied that it should impose the maximum sentence for each of the five crimes of life imprisonment to be served concurrently."

Rafik Hariri was killed after a suicide bomber detonated a van filled with explosives as the former prime minister's convoy drove past in February 2005. The blast left at least 226 injured.

An UN-backed tribunal on Friday convicted fugitive Salim Jamil Ayyash,57, who is alleged to have killed former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. Watch: Salim Ayyash a Hezbollah member was sentenced to life imprisonment for the assassination of Rafik Hariri in 2005.

An UN-backed tribunal on Friday convicted fugitive Salim Jamil Ayyash,57, who is alleged to have killed former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. Watch: Salim Ayyash a Hezbollah member was sentenced to life imprisonment for the assassination of Rafik Hariri in 2005. Ayyash, however, remains on the run as Hezbollah has refused to hand him over. His trial was conducted in absentia. Judge David Re said: "The trial chamber is satisfied that it should impose the maximum sentence for each of the five crimes of life imprisonment to be served concurrently." Rafik Hariri was killed after a suicide bomber detonated a van filled with explosives as the former prime minister's convoy drove past in February 2005. The blast left at least 226 injured.

Hezbollah's Salim Ayyash convicted in ex-Lebanon PM Rafik Hariri's murder

Indian Army chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-eyes-new-defence-partnership-as-army-chief-general-naravane-visits-west-asia-348675">General MM Naravane</a> who is on a six-day visit to West Asia met UAE's General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri who is the commander of the country's land forces.

General Naravane the received the Guard of Honour in UAE and laid a wreath at the Martyr's Point. The Army chief discussed issues related to defence cooperation with UAE defence officials.

General Naravane also visited the Land Forces Institute, Infantry School and Armour School. General Naravane is on six-day visit in the Gulf where he is set to visit Saudi Arabia next.

Last month the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-opens-fire-in-multiple-positions-along-loc-indian-army-hits-back-342971">Indian Army</a> chief had visited Nepal on a three-day visit and met with Prime minister KP Sharma Oli. The Indian Army chief was toured religious places in the country and gifted medical equipment including ICU ventilators to field hospitals of the Nepali Army.

Naravane was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Genral Naravane's visit to the country had taken place at the invitation of Nepal Army chief Gen Purna Chandra Thapa.

The Army chief had addressed the young military officers at Nepali Army's Staff College during his visit.

General MM Naravane has been closely engaged with the Army's engagement with China since the tensions between the two countries began in June as the PLA killed 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley in Ladakh, although the PLA had lost several soliders as well but the Chinese foregin ministry refused to divulge the number of casulties.

Naravane had earlier visited Ladakh ro review Indian forces operational preparedness as the two countries continued to talk even as there were reports of confrontation with PLA soldeirs.

General Naravane has been engaing with China at the military and diplomatic level for several months as he declared that the Indian Army is "they are ready to deal with all challenges.&nbsp;

Indian Army chief General MM Naravane who is on a six-day visit to West Asia met UAE's General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri who is the commander of the country's land forces.

Indian Army chief General MM Naravane who is on a six-day visit to West Asia met UAE's General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri who is the commander of the country's land forces. General Naravane the received the Guard of Honour in UAE and laid a wreath at the Martyr's Point. The Army chief discussed issues related to defence cooperation with UAE defence officials. General Naravane also visited the Land Forces Institute, Infantry School and Armour School. General Naravane is on six-day visit in the Gulf where he is set to visit Saudi Arabia next. Last month the Indian Army chief had visited Nepal on a three-day visit and met with Prime minister KP Sharma Oli. The Indian Army chief was toured religious places in the country and gifted medical equipment including ICU ventilators to field hospitals of the Nepali Army. Naravane was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Genral Naravane's visit to the country had taken place at the invitation of Nepal Army chief Gen Purna Chandra Thapa. The Army chief had addressed the young military officers at Nepali Army's Staff College during his visit. General MM Naravane has been closely engaged with the Army's engagement with China since the tensions between the two countries began in June as the PLA killed 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley in Ladakh, although the PLA had lost several soliders as well but the Chinese foregin ministry refused to divulge the number of casulties. Naravane had earlier visited Ladakh ro review Indian forces operational preparedness as the two countries continued to talk even as there were reports of confrontation with PLA soldeirs. General Naravane has been engaing with China at the military and diplomatic level for several months as he declared that the Indian Army is "they are ready to deal with all challenges.

General MM Naravane meets UAE general, visits infantry school

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